Choose who is in charge in Europe!
By Lilla Pinter, Alumna of the Visegrád School of Political Studies (2013)
Brussels, April 2014
“Use your power. Choose who is in charge in Europe!” reads the campaign slogan for this year’s elections to the European Parliament. Following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009, the vote taking place between 22 and 25 May will be different from previous ones. The results will not only determine the composition of the new Parliament but will also have a direct influence on the appointment of the European Commission’s new president. Our individual votes can indeed have an impact on who is in charge in Europe and we can all play a significant role in building a more responsible and democratic Europe by exercising our civic duty of voting. This is all the more important given the prevailing crises and the subsequent growth of extreme populist parties in national politics.
It has become evident that people’s faith in governments, be it national or European, has decreased dramatically as a result of the crisis. Political and economic instability has given rise to extremism on either side of the political spectrum. While liberals are in decline, populist parties are steadily gaining support, often due to their anti-EU and anti-immigration rhetoric expressed in hate speech. Several instances of national or local elections won by explicit use of hate speech are visible across Europe. Politicians go far beyond criticizing religion, ideology or minority groups in general terms – they have started pointing fingers. Examples such as that of Geert Wilders asking his constituents in the Netherlands in local elections whether they wanted more or fewer Moroccans illustrate this. Often balancing on the borderline of freedom of speech and hate speech, they get away with a lot even if they cross the line. In this context, the Council of Europe’s No Hate Speech Movement campaign proves incredibly timely.
Unsurprisingly, the campaign in the run-up to the European elections features many candidates and parties exploiting the fear and insecurity linked to the crisis, thereby hoping to capitalise on widespread grievances and discontent in an attempt to mobilise voters. Because radical parties, both left and right wing, rank fourth or even third in polls in many EU Member States, the chances of the European Parliament having a considerably larger proportion of those parties in its upcoming term are very high. According to PollWatch2014*, the new Parliament will have more radical and Eurosceptic parties than ever before, making up approximately 29%, while the Parliament’s own projections** anticipate MEPs representing these parties will claim about 30% of seats.
Such an outcome would inevitably affect decision-making processes at European level during the new legislative term. The adoption of about 75-80% of EU legislation through the so-called ordinary legislative procedure where the Commission, the Parliament and the Council must all give their approval would most likely result in lengthy proceedings. Obtaining majority in the new Parliament of 751 members may prove even more cumbersome. Furthermore, a highly fragmented Parliament may witness more internal divisions, thereby further curbing the efficiency of the administrative system.
Casting your vote between 22 and 25 May is demonstrably more important than ever! Citizens will not only exercise their civic duty but also contribute to a more democratic, open and transparent Europe for the generations to come. It is up to the voters to elect a Parliament capable of governing Europe into prosperity and unity. Go to vote, because this time you can make a difference!
(1) Website providing a forecast of national election poll standings translated into European outcome based on the 2009 election results: http://www.pollwatch2014.eu.
(2) Provides a snapshot of the current state of play of the public opinion in EU member states on the 2014 European elections: http://www.elections2014.eu/en/news-room/content/20140324STO39616/html/2014-European-elections-latest-projections-of-seats-in-the-Parliament.
